In a top-tier research school like the University of Florida, the pre-med title is ubiquitous.
I am one of the stereotypical pre-med majors who spend a majority of their time crying over some sort of science-related subject on the second floor of Marston.
But the workload isn’t the problem. My issue is that I was lied to about what being a doctor would entail. You know those kids who are pulling organic molecule models out of their butts and acing physics without even breaking a sweat? Those kids that you want to murder because they’re naturals at things that take you weeks, blood, sweat and tears to learn?
Via: 8tracks
You know who I’m talking about. And I’m here to tell you to not lose hope and stop pulling your hair out. The entire system is lying to you. It’s not about being at the very top of your class.
After three months working at an internal medicine office, I learned that being a doctor is more of an art than a science. It’s more about how good your team is, how fast you type, how well you fill out paperwork and listen to people. Its not just about making diagnoses.
It’s not about a conclusion or a referral or even a result. It’s about a conversation and a connection.
When a woman with a sore throat comes in for advice before a long trip, instead of just looking at her throat and writing some notes, we talk and hear about her grandson. Her voice has a slight Arabic accent, and she laughs about Arabic food. She never taught her daughter how to be cool. She didn’t have time. She doesn’t want to whine. But yes, she’ll take the prescription for a nasal spray if you think she needs it. Before the consultation ends, she compliments Dr. C on her eyeliner.
Via: NJ
“You know, it’s some cheap brand. I’ll get you the name of it for you,” Dr. C replies.
So she came in with a sore throat and leaves with a prescription, but the recommendation for an Almay eyeliner, as well. More than that, she walks away with a connection. The human kind. She was heard. Someone took an interest in her.
That’s what being a doctor is.
It’s listening to a 60-year-old man talk proudly about his kids and watching his face darken when he thinks about them flying the coop. It’s discussing poop unabashedly, handing out tissues when needed and knowing when to look up from a computer, stop typing notes and, not just look at, but see someone — see their humanity and concerns.
Medicine is not just a science, as much as it seems that way. Medicine touches people in a way pure science cannot. It’s the art of caring. That’s the difference between a good doctor and an average doctor.
So next time you want to strangle the kid next to you who is fucking up your curve in organic chem, remember that.
Feature photo courtesy of: Radiology Business
